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Basic dressage lessons are available for SERIOUS riders who are interested in learning the art of dressage. You can either trailer in your horse or use one of my personal horses for an additional fee. The cost of lessons are as follows:
- Your own horse boarded at Devon Belanger Dressage- $35
- Use of one of my seven personal horses for the lesson - $50
- Trailer In Fee For Your Horse at Devon Belanger Dressage - $10 (+ $35 Lesson Fee)
- Your Location, Your Horse - $40
- Lunge Line Lessons (20 Mins Max) - $15
- Video of Your Lesson Can Be Arranged - $10 - Please supply blank mini-DVD
What Are The Benefits Of Dressage?
Charles de Kunffy gives a wonderful definition of Dressage and its ideals in his book, Training Strategies for Dressage Riders. “Dressage, in general, is horsemanship that is based on love and respect for horses. It is aimed at the improvement of the horse’s natural abilities to fulfill his ultimate potential. It results in a happy horse that usually lives longer, stays healthier, and performs better and for a longer time than one not dressaged. The method of dressage includes only natural means for the development of the horse. It is based on mutual understanding, respect, and trust between horse and rider. It is based on kindness and reward rather than punishment, and it excludes the use of force.” Classical Dressage is not torture, but an art with the quest to let go of our own ego and become one in harmony with our horse. In classical dressage you base your training on the understanding that for a horse to work in a happy, healthy and balanced manner there must be:
Rhythm
Relaxation (suppleness)
Contact
Impulsion
Straightness
Collection
With this basic foundation, you and your horse are prepared for whatever you may encounter, whether you are a hunter, jumper, trail rider etc. Any discipline can benefit from the basics of dressage!
NOTE: EVERY NEW STUDENT WILL BE REQUIRED TO UNDERGO A BASIC 20 MINUTE RIDING ASSESSMENT. THIS IS IMPORTANT AS A SAFETY ISSUE AND ALSO TO HELP UNDERSTAND YOUR STRENGTH AND WEAKNESSES (AS WELL AS THAT OF YOUR HORSE). BASED UPON THE ASSESSMENT, AND YOUR PERSONAL RIDING GOALS ~ I CAN FORM A TRANING STRATEGY THAT WILL BE FUN, EFFECTIVE AND PROGRESSIVELY CHALLENGING. YOU WILL BE REQUIRED TO FILL OUT A WAIVER/LIABILITY FORM AND READ AND UNDERSTAND THE RULES OF THE BARN. ALL RIDERS WILL BE REQUIRED TO WEAR AN ASTM HELMET AND A BOOT WITH A 1" HEEL. Please click HERE to download Rider Information, Liability Waiver, Rider and Horse Goals. Please complete and bring with you for your first assessment!
This option is ideal for the busy owner who does not have time to ride during the working week, or is laid up with illness or injury. Perhaps you are going on a vacation or simply just need some help with schooling your horse. Your horse will be initially ridden and assessed. His/her weaknesses will be worked on and any other issues that you, as an owner, would like resolved. Your horse will be schooled in basic dressage (or higher for those horses with established dressage training). These sessions can also be video-taped for your reference, if required. The cost of schooling a horse boarded at Devon Belanger Dressage is $25/Session. For those living in Eustis, Sorrento, Mount Dora, Lake Mary, Heathrow, Longwood, Apopka, Altamonte Springs or Sanford, the cost will be $30/Session. A 10% discount is available for a block booking of 10 sessions paid for in advance. Please See Additional Services on our DELUXE FULL BOARD page.
Please visit my Quadrille Page to learn more about this exciting and fun form of dressage. This is a great way to continue reaping the benefits of dressage, but it also builds comaraderie with your other team members. The Quadrille is put to music and the team can then choose to enter shows, exhibitions and parades to add further enjoyment to their accomplishments. There is availability for both an Adult Amateur Team and a Junior Rider Team. The Quadrille practice will last 2 hours. The first hour is theory and practice (unmounted) ... oh yes, you will be riding broomhandles around the arena as you learn your patterns! Once you have got an awesome workout from trotting around the arena for an hour, you will then get your horses and let them do the legwork as you pull together your choreography on horseback. What better way to stay in shape, have the time of your life and blend the joy and beauty of horses, music and dancing (and broomhandles!). Due to work and family commitments of other team members, during the winter, the Quadrille practice will be limited to weekends only. The cost is only $20 for the full 2 hours (on your horse) or $35 if using one of my personal horses. Quadrille Team Members must have an established walk and trot (english) to participate.
The Guided Trail Rides will only be available to current students or those riders with a good riding foundation. Must be able to walk, trot and canter with control. The purpose of my Guided Trail Rides is to give my students the confidence to ride on a trail and to also continue their schooling/training whilst on the trail. The Guided Trail Rides will involve walk, trot and canter. There are 600 acres of beautiful trails accessible by riding out of the rear of the property. You will not have to ride on roads!
Please visit my "Horse Sale Barn" to see a catalog of our current horses available for sale or on-site lease. I will, on occasion, consider taking on a consignment horse. The owner will pay for full board at Devon Belanger Dressage and I will then train, advertise and show your horse on your behalf. My commission will be 20% of the sales price after the horse is sold.
RESCUE/RELINQUISHED HORSES
On very select occasions, I may accept a rescue or relinquished horse. If you are absolutely desperate and have nowhere to turn, please contact me before allowing your horse to suffer.
"To ride a horse well, you have to know it as well as you know your best friend."
Email Me!
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